Roaches

Cockroaches have been
around for a whopping 400 million years. During that time, they
have become perhaps the most popular of household pests. While
roach infestations are a nasty nuisance, they also carry several
disease pathogens that are linked to food-poisoning, staph, strep,
E-coli and others. Roaches often occur in groups, and will eat
anything that provides nutritional value. To prevent roaches from
coming into your property, check incoming items for roaches and
maintain a clean environment.

American

The American cockroach is also know as a "waterbug" or
"palmettobug." Contrary to their name, they are not native to North
America, instead arrived on trade ships from Africa. They are
reddish brown and fully winged. They are found in residences, but
more so in restaurants, grocery stores, processing plants and the
like. They infest food storage and preparation areas, as well as
the outdoors and city sewers.

German

The German cockroach is the most important and perhaps the most
common type of roach. Found worldwide, these roaches transmit a
variety of pathogens and cause allergic reaction. They are light
brown to tan with two dark vertical stripes on their back. They
prefer warm, humid environments and are found in kitchens,
bathrooms and any area where food and drink is consumed.

Oriental

The Oriental cockroach is ironically from North Africa, not the
Oriental region. Also called a "black beetle" or "waterbug," these
roaches are found worldwide. They are shiny black or reddish brown
in color. The Oriental cockroach spends most of its time outdoors,
under debris, rocks and leaves. They tend to enter buildings via
doors, air ducts, utility pipes and drains. All kinds of food and
decaying matter make up their diet.

Smokybrown

As its name denotes, the Smokeybrown cockroach is brownish black
to dark mahogany. They are native outside of the U.S., and are
common in southern states. They are a medical nuisance because of
the allergic effect they have on people with asthma, as well as
allergens that cause rhinitis and skin irritation.